Is it ruined?

[andy kloot]

So I recently forged my first blade. I worked really hard on it. I forgot to temper it and grinded it after quenching. I left it with my dad and got him to throw it in the oven the next morning. He did two 1 hour cycles at 400. He sent me a pic and it has a nice straw colour but the edge is dark brown like coffee grounds. Is it burnt/ruined??

 

[knarfeng]

Upload the photo to a web hosting site like Imgur.
If you use Imgur, then click on the picture, on the right are sharing links. Copy the BB text link. Paste it into your post.

If you don't use Imgur, copy the web address of the picture.
Go to your post and click the picture tool on the toolbar next to the smiley tool.
That gives you a popup. Paste the address there and click "Insert".

 

[andy kloot]

 

[andy kloot]

Got it, thanks!

Upload the photo to a web hosting site like Imgur.
If you use Imgur, then click on the picture, on the right are sharing links. Copy the BB text link. Paste it into your post.

If you don't use Imgur, copy the web address of the picture.
Go to your post and click the picture tool on the toolbar next to the smiley tool.
That gives you a popup. Paste the address there and click "Insert".

Thanks

 

[Alex Topfer]

How thin is it at the edge?
IMO, it's probably fine. The colour is due to the thickness of the oxide film that forms on the steel, so longer times at lower temperatures can still lead to thicker oxide coatings. I've had blades come out light blue, and they were fine. There's no way my oven reaches 300c (sadly, that would make for good pizza)

 

[Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith]

Your blade is fine. Sand it down to the final finish and put a handle on it. The colors after a couple hours in temper are not indicators of hardness.